Future Car: 2012 Porsche 911 - Spy Shots

These illustrations of the next generation Porsche 911 are the best indication yet that some very good things are in store for fans of the iconic German sports car. The headlights are more pronounced than in recent models, while the taillights are smaller and narrower—and almost guaranteed to feature LED lighting. The side mirrors have moved from the corners of the front window to the sides of the doors, and the front fascia now has larger and more aggressive air intakes. While not as noticeable in these images, previous spy photos of 911 prototypes caught during road tests seemed to indicate the car’s retractable rear wing will be larger and wider than in the current model’s. This will help pump extra air to the rear-mounted engine and provide more aerodynamic downforce at high speeds. Both the 3.4-liter engine in the base Carrera and the 3.8-liter flat-6 in the Carrera S are set to offer more power. Expect a minimum of 400 bhp in the next Carrera S, up from the 385 bhp offered in the current version. The new 911 is also expected to weigh less than the current model, thanks in part to the use of lightweight aluminum body panels.Available transmissions will include Porsche’s 7-speed dual-clutch PDK and, potentially, a 7-speed manual transmission. Expect the new Porsche 911 to debut early next year, with the launch sometime in late 2011.